Adrian Peace’s brilliant portrayal of Alan Bestle, an enthusiastic, absent-minded eccentric, was central to the mayhem of muddled identities in Ian Masters’ comedy, performed by the Western Players last week.

Alan, a failed accountant, fantasises about conducting a large orchestra. His frenetic performance, with music stand, full volume recording and foot-operated switch, was hilarious.

Sharon Bennett played his wife Margaret, whose sister Susie (a glamorous man-eater played by Zoe Roberts) is due from Australia with her new (fourth) husband, (Tony Manders). Alan has never seen them.

Unfortunately, alone in the house when Bob and Susan arrive, he mistakes them for his sister-in-law and spouse. In fact the Brummie couple, (Stuart Jackson and Hannah Evans), had booked to view the property, which is for sale, and are astonished by the warmth of their welcome.

Alan believes that his relatives, who arrive subsequently, are prospective buyers. Alan’s gaffes are unravelled by the horrified Margaret just before the end.